Option 1: Buy a health plan through the Marketplace

If you leave your job for any reason and lose your job-based insurance, you can buy a Marketplace plan. Losing job-based coverage, even if you quit or get fired, qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you can buy insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.

Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your insurance.

Option 2: Sign up for COBRA coverage

COBRA is a federal law that may let you pay to stay on your employee health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee.

More answers: If you lose job-based coverage

Can a Marketplace plan start the same day I lose my job-based insurance?

No. Marketplace plans take effect the first day of the month after your job-based insurance ends. So if you lose your insurance plan on March 7 and select a Marketplace plan by March 31, coverage can start April 1.

Do I need to provide proof that I lost insurance through my job?

You may be asked to provide proof that you lost insurance through your job. Your eligibility notice will explain how to verify your loss of coverage. The Marketplace may also contact you directly.

When I apply for a Marketplace plan after losing job-based insurance, does the income I made this year before I left my job count?